Cheltenham Festival

[cryptic3]

Sizing Europe confirmed for the Champion Chase

Last year's Irish Independent Arkle Chase winner Sizing Europe will contest the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at this year's Cheltenham Festival after being scratched from both the Ryanair Chase and the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The nine-year-old is 16-1 for the Champion Chase, while he was a best priced 12-1 for the Ryanair and a general 33-1 shot for the Gold Cup.

Sizing Europe, who raced over 2m last time out,  has not won in four starts since completing a five-timer in the Arkle. He now looks set for a return to what many feel is his optimum trip.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said on Monday: "Having talked things over with his owners, Ann and Alan Potts, and considered all the options, we've decided to run Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase."

Sizing Europe will not be facing Tchico Polos in the Champion Chase after the seven-year-old was withdrawn from the raceby trainer Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls also pulled Celestial Halo out of the Stan James Champion Hurdle on Monday.

Owned by Andy Stewart, Celestial Halo was second to Punjabi in the 2009 Champion Hurdle and fourth last year but has failed to find his form this season after a brief spell novice chasing.

As expected, Solwhit has been scratched from the Stan James Champion Hurdle but retains an entry in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for which he is 25-1.


Overturn and Mille Chief among Kingwell entries

CHAMPION HURDLE fancies Overturn, Silviniaco Conti and Mille Chief feature among a stellar cast of 11 entered in Saturday's Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.
Overturn-stablemate Peddlers Cross has also been entered but is expected to contest the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Thursday instead.

And two Alan King-trained stablemates of Mille Chief, Walkon and Salden Licht, have been entered having originally been declared to run in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury's abandoned Saturday fixture.

Celestial Halo, Solix, Ronaldo Des Mottes, Soldatino and Notus De La Tour complete the entries for the 2m Grade 2.


Champion for Dunguib after Coral Cup ruled out

PHILIP FENTON has ruled Dunguib out of running in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
The eight-year-old is to finally make his seasonal reappearance in Gowran's Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle on Saturday, with connections hoping for a good run to book his place in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Dunguib had been a general 14-1 second favourite for the Coral Cup after Fenton announced last month that the horse would  be getting an entry in the handicap. However, this plan has been shelved.

Fenton said: "The Coral Cup is not in the picture. The owners were not too keen on it. We'll see how heperforms Saturday and that will give us a fair indication of where we're going."

Dunguib, a 20-1 chance with the sponsors for the Champion Hurdle, has not run since a below-par effort at the Punchestown festival last season.



 

[cryptic3]

LOOSEN LIMBERS UP FOR JEWSON

Henry de Bromhead reports Loosen My Load on target for the Jewson Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on March 17.

The County Waterford trainer is happy to be targeting the seven-year-old at the new two-and-and-half-mile addition to the Festival. He shaped well over the track in November when third to Ghizao and Captain Chris over two miles and was a respectable fourth to Realt Dubh in the Bord na Mona With Nature Chase at Leopardstown.

"He looks great and is in good form. We're looking forward to running him in the Jewson," said De Bromhead.

The handler's team is headed by Sizing Europe in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and his other likely contenders are Sizing Australia and Queiros Bleu.

"We've got Sizing Australia in the cross-country. He's in good form and he always runs well round there," he added.

"Hopefully we will have Queiros Bleu in the Pertemps. He's a nice horse so hopefully he'll run well."

[cryptic3]

LATEST CHELTENHAM 2011 MARKETS
 
Cheltenham Festival Top Jockey: 6-5 Ruby Walsh, 11-4 Barry Geraghty, 6-1 Tony McCoy, 10-1 Robert Thornton, 16-1 Richard Johnson, 25-1 Jason Maguire, Paul Townend, 33-1 Paddy Brennan, Paul Carberry, Timmy Murphy
(win only - Market will be settled on the number of winners, if there is a tie the greater number of second places will determine the winner, again if there is a tie the greatest number of third places will determine the winner)
 
TUESDAY
 
Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle: 9-4 Cue Card, 6-1 Spirit Son, 10-1 Zaidpour, 12-1 Sprinter Sacre, 14-1 Hidden Universe, Minella Class, Rock On Ruby, 16-1 Al Ferof, Backspin, Dare Me, Gibb River, Sam Winner, So Young, , Unaccompanied, 20-1 Day Of A Lifetime, Gagewell Flyer, Marsh Warbler, Megastar, Shot From The Hip, 25-1 First Lieutenant, Kid Cassidy, The Real Article, Toubab, 33-1 Act of Kalanisi, Dare To Doubt, 1 Dunraven Storm, Earlson Gray, Iolith, Lifestyle, Recession Proof, Ruler Of All, Secret World, 40-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Irish Independent Arkle: 4-1 Finians Rainbow, 9-2 Ghizao, 5-1 Medermit, 8-1 Captain Chris, 9-1 Realt Dubh, 14-1 Noble Prince, 20-1 Mikael D'Haguenet, Quel Esprit, 25-1 Dan Breen, Pepe Simo, 28-1 Mamlook, Torpichen, Rock Noir, 33-1 Bellvano, Blazing Tempo, Giorgio Quercus, Killmurry, Nadiya de la Vega, Robinson Collonges, Morning Supreme, Stagecoach Pearl, Starluck, Surfing, 40-1 Bar (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
(Formerly William Hill) The Trophy Chase: 8-1 Bensalem, 12-1 Blazing  Bailey, Midnight Chase, 16-1 Chief Dan George, Great Endeavour, Junior, Meanus Dandy, Presenting Forever, Sunnyhillboy, 20-1 Big Fella Thanks, Hey Big Spender, Niche Market, Ogee, Take The Breeze, The Tother One, 25-1 King Troy, Knockara Beau (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Stan James Champion Hurdle: 3-1 Binocular, 9-2 Hurricane Fly, 5-1 Menorah, 6-1 Peddlers Cross, 12-1 Oscar Whisky, 14-1 Bensalem, Mille Chief, 20-1 Cue Card, Dunguib, Khyber Kim, 25-1 Silvianaco Conti, Walkon, 33-1 Overturn, 40-1 Get Me Out Of Here, Soldatino, Starluck, 50-1 Clerk's Choice, Thousand Stars, Zaynar, Ronaldo Des Mottes, Tocca Ferro, 66-1 Alavain, Blackstairmountain, Barizan, Salden Licht, Solix, 100-1 Cristal Bonus, Notus De La Tour, Sublimity, 150-1 Bygones Of Brid (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Glenfarclas Cross-Country: 9-2 Garde Champetre, 6-1 L'Ami, 13-2 Sizing Australia, 10-1 King Johns Castle, Maljimar, 11-1 A New Story, 12-1 Arabella Boy, 16-1 Another Jewel, 25-1 Freneys Well (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase: 12-1 Divers, Robinson Collonges, 14-1 Aigle D'Or, Hell's Bay, 16-1 Master Of The Hall, On Borrowed Wings, Rebel Du Maquis, 20-1 Beshabar, Hollo Ladies, Pause And Clause (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle: 5-4 Quevega, 5-1 Tarla, 6-1 Sparky May, 10-1 Morning Supreme, Our Girl Salley, 12-1 Banjaxed Girl, Caroles Legacy, 16-1 L'Accordioniste, 20-1 Macville, Pearlysteps, Vino Griego, 33-1 Amber Brook, Santera (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
 
 
WEDNESDAY
 
National Hunt Chase: 6-1 Chicago Grey, 8-1 Alfa Beat, 14-1 Quantitativeeasing, Quel Esprit, 11-1 Wayward Prince, 14-1 Beshabar, Magnanimity, Sona Sasta, 16-1 Aberdale, Chamirey, Gonebeyondrecall, Some Target 20-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle: 5-1 Bobs Worth, 6-1 Oscars Well, Rock On Ruby, So Young, 10-1 Backspin, Minella Class, Zaidpour, 12-1 Court In Motion, 14-1 Al Ferof, Chablais, Dunraven Storm, First Lieutenant, 16-1 Macville, Sprinter Sacre, 20-1 Cottrelsbooley, Dare Me, Day Of A Lifetime, Earlson Gray, Hidden Universe, Megastar, Our Girl Salley, Ballyadam Brook, Ballyhaunis, Bishopsfurze, Gagewell Flyer, Pride In Battle, Shot From The Hip, Smad Place, Tornado Bob, 33-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
RSA Chase: 9-4 Time For Rupert, 8-1 Jessies Dream, 10-1 Wayward Prince, 12-1 Wymott,  14-1 Mikael D'Haguenet, Quito De La Roque, 16-1 Aiteenthirtythree, Bostons Angel, Hells Bay, Magnanimity, 20-1 Alfie Sherrin, Beshabar, Quel Esprit, 25-1 Tarablaze, Wishfull Thinking, 33-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase: 9-4 Master Minded, 3-1 Big Zeb, 13-2 Somersby, 15-2 Woolcombe Folly, 10-1 Captain Cee Bee, Golden Silver, 12-1 Tataniano, 14-1 Sizing Europe, 16-1 Forpadydeplasterer, 25-1 Gauvain, 33-1 Crack Away Jack, French Opera, J'y Vole, Petit Robin, 40-1 Mad Max 50-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Coral Cup: 10-1 Aegean Dawn, 14-1 For Non Stop, Get Me Out Of Here,  Ghimaar, 16-1 Any Given Day, Escort'men, James De Vassy, Royal Mix, 20-1 Benash, Bygones Of Brid, Frascati Park, Organisateur, The Betchworth Kid, 25-1 Bella Haze (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Fred Winter: 6-1 A Media Luz, 12-1 Local Hero, 14-1 Sailors Warn, 16-1 Pantxoa, Plan A, 20-1 Indian Daudaie, Third Intention, 25-1 Franklino, 33-1 Tiptronic (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Weatherbys Champion Bumper: 9-1 Knight Pass, 10-1 Persian Snow, 14-1 Lord Gale, 16-1 Cheltenian, Keys, Mono Man, 20-1 Celtic Folklore, Dylan Moss, Ericht, 25-1 Star Neuville, 33-1 Accordingtojodie, Ebanour (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
 
THURSDAY
 
Jewson Novices Chase: 7-1 Merdermit, 8-1 Captain Chris, Noble Prince, 9-1 Hells Bay, Wishfull Thinking, 12-1 Loosen My Load, Realt Dubh, 14-1 Jessies Dream, 20-1 Master of the Hall, Quel Esprit, Robinsons Collonges, Royal Charm, Surfing, Thegreatjohnbrowne, Wymott, 25-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
Pertemps: 12-1 Sivota, 14-1 Alfie Spinner, Barafundle, Kilcrea Kim, 16-1 Buena Vista,  Chartreux, Lush Life, Mr Moonshine, Square Sphere, 20-1 Ashkazar, Barwell Bridge, Cross Kennon, Duke of Lucca, Gwanako, Viking Blond, 25-1 Mabaasher, Salpierre, The Betchworth Kid, 33-1 Arcalis, Ravage D'Or,  Square Sphere (EW 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
Ryanair Chase: 4-1 Poquelin, 9-2 Somersby, 8-1 Tranquil Sea, 10-1 Albertas Run, Kalahari King, 12-1 Golden Silver, Medermit, Riverside Theatre, 14-1 J'y Vole, Kempes, 16-1 Breedsbreeze, Punchestowns, Tartak, 20-1 Forpadydeplasterer, Roberto Goldback, 25-1 Captain Cee Bee, Gauvain, Joncol, The Nightingale, Weird Al, 33-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Ladbrokes World Hurdle: 5-6 Big Buck's, 9-4 Grands Crus, 10-1 Mourad, 16-1 Karabak, Oscar Whisky, Punchestowns, Quevega, Zaynar, 20-1 Any Given Day, 25-1 Ashkazar, Fiveforthree, Mikael D'Haguenet, Shinrock Paddy, Solwhit, Thousand Stars, 33-1 Bensalem, Celestial Halo, Khyber Kim, Powerstation, Restless Harry, Souffleur, Walkon, 50-1 BAR (EW 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Ladbrokes World Hurdle w/o Big Buck's: 10-11 Grands Crus, 4-1 Mourad, Karabak, Oscar Whisky, Quevega, Zaynar, 10-1 Punchestowns, 12-1 Any Given Day, Mikael D'Haguenet, Solwhit, 14-1 Ashkazar, Bensalem, Celestial Halo, Fiveforthree, Khyber Kim, 16-1 Shinrock Paddy, Souffleur, Thousand Stars, Walkon, 20-1 Fair Along, Organisateur,  Powerstation, Restless Harry, 25-1 Berties Dream, Beshabar, Blackstairmountain, Catch Me, Cristal Bonus, James De Vassy, Shalone 33-1 BAR (EW 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Byrne Group Plate: 10-1 Great Endeavour, Sunnyhillboy,14-1 Fistral Beach, 16-1 Aigle D'Or, Dancing Tornado, Mad Max, Robinson Collonges, 20-1 Hells Bay, King Troy, Little Josh, Mount Oscar, Pasco, 25-1 Fiendish Flame, Pearlysteps, Psycho, Shakalakaboomboom, Vino Griego (E/W 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
Kim Muir: 12-1 Junior, 14-1 Galant Nuit, Quinz, 20-1 Forzy Origny, Gullible Gordon, Mostly Bob, Picture This, Richards Sundance, Rustarix, Sound Stage, Swing Bill, 25-1 Faasel, 33-1 Knowhere (E/W 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
 
FRIDAY
 
JCB Triumph Hurdle: 5-1 Grandouet, 7-1 Unaccompanied, 10-1 Marsh Warbler, Sam Winner, 12-1 A Media Luz, Smad Place, 14-1 Brampour, Local Hero, 16-1 Hoblon Des Obeaux, 20-1 Kazzene, Third Intention, 25-1 Architrave, Kuilsriver, Moose Moran, Music Of The Moor, Sailors Warn, Toner D'Oudairies,  33-1 Celtus, Comedy Act, Dolatulo, Empire Levant, Fearless Falcon, Higgy's Ragazzo, Indian Daudaie, Joseph Lister, Maxim Gorky, Molotof, Plan A, Pullyourfingerout, Rigidity, Silver Shuffle, Table Mountain, Tillahow, Tonic Mellysse, Tony Star, Trop Fort, Twigline, Zarkander, 40-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle: 11-1 Aegean Dawn, 12-1 Call the Police, Final Approach, 14-1 Dirar, Escort'men, Salden Licht, 16-1 Alaivan, Any Given Day, Hunterview, Ski Sunday, 20-1 Art Professor, Carlito Brigante, Eradicate (E/W 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: 6-1 Court In Motion,  8-1 Bobs Worth, 10-1 Backspin, Oscars Well, So Young,  Zaidpour, 14-1 Champion Court, 16-1 First Lieutenant, For Non Stop, Join Together, Kilcrae Kim, 20-1 Bishopsfurze, Blue Monster, Carlicue, Habbie Simpson, Mossley, Sybarite, Teaforthree, 25-1 Allee Garde, Battle Group, Dynaste, Fists Of Fury, Fully Funded, Gagewell Flyer, Highland Valley, Lackamon, Raptor, Shot From The Hip, Si C'Etait Vrai, Skorcher, Tornado Bob, 33-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Totesport Gold Cup: 7-2 Imperial Commander, 13-2 Long Run, 7-1 Denman, 8-1 Kauto Star, 10-1 Diamond Harry, 14-1 Pandorama, 16-1 Pride Of Dulcote, 20-1 Kempes, Midnight Chase, Snowy Morning, 25-1 Time for Rupert, 33-1 Neptune Collonges, Punchestowns, Tidal Bay, What a Friend, 40-1 Joncol, 50-1 Planet Of Sound, Synchronised, Weird Al, 66-1 BAR (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Foxhunters' Chase: 5-1 Baby Run, 6-1 On The Fringe, 10-1 Cork All Star, Halcon Genelardais, Roulez Cool, 12-1 Kilty Storm, 14-1 Hoo La Baloo, 20-1 Templer, Turthen, 25-1 Blu Teen (E/W 1/4 1,2,3)
 
Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle: 12-1 Dynaste, 14-1 For Non Stop, 16-1 Benash, 20-1 Aather, Secret Dancer, 25-1 Battle Group, Chance du Roy (EW 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual: 12-1 French Opera, 14-1 Oh Crick, Tanks For That, 16-1 Anquetta,  Cornas, Dan Breen, Dave's Dream, Pepe Simo, Rivaliste, 20-1 Consigliere, First Point, I'msingingtheblues, Radium, Stagecoach Pearl, 25-1 Gilbarry, Pigeon Island, 33-1 Osric (E/W 1/4 1,2,3,4)
 
 

 

[cryptic3]

Tom Cooper has removed the Cheltenham Festival from Forpadydeplasterer's agenda - but his stable star still has a chance of making the Punchestown Festival.

Forpadydeplasterer was removed from the entries for the Ryanair, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gold Cup on Wednesday after his journey to Kempton for the rescheduled King George VI Chase left a mark.

The Irish-trained winner of the Arkle in 2009 and runner-up in last year's Champion Chase was pulled up behind Long Run on January 15.

"He came back from Kempton a very sick horse and I think making the two trips to Kempton, first in December and then when the race was rearranged, put paid to him," said Cooper.

"I thought last week we were looking good for Cheltenham but I'd rather not take him over again so soon.

"I'll keep him over here for the rest of this season and hopefully he'll be ready to run at Punchestown."

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Twenty-four horses, and all the big names, remain in the reckoning at the latest forfeit stage for next month's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

These include the last four winners - Kauto Star (2007 and 2009), Denman (2008) and Imperial Commander (2010) - as well as the King George VI Chase hero Long Run and Hennessy Gold Cup star Diamond Harry.

The remaining contenders are Albertas Run, Carronhills, Carruthers, Chief Dan George, China Rock, Great Endeavour, Joncol, Kempes, Midnight Chase, Mon Mome, Neptune Collonges, Pandorama, Planet Of Sound, Pride Of Dulcote, Punchestowns, Synchronised, Tidal Bay, Weird Al and What A Friend.

Barker, Noland, Sizing Europe, Cooldine, The Nightingale and Time For Rupert are among the 10 scratchings.


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Master Minded will face a maximum of 14 rivals when he attempts to land the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase for a third time on March 16.

Paul Nicholls' brilliant two-miler, winner in 2008 and 2009, is unbeaten in three starts this season but must again take on Big Zeb. The Irish raider left Master Minded back in fourth when winning last year's renewal of the Cheltenham feature.

Somersby, who ran Master Minded so close in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot last month, is in the field with Nicholls also represented by Tataniano and Woolcombe Folly.

Captain Cee Bee, Cornas, French Opera, Gauvain, Golden Silver, I'm So Lucky, J'y Vole, Mad Max, Scotsirish and Sizing Europe complete a select gathering.

Nicholls has taken out Tchico Polos while other notable absentees were Petit Robin and the out-of-sorts pair Forpadydeplasterer and Crack Away Jack.

Ante-post favourite Poquelin features among 32 remaining entries for the Ryanair Chase.

The Nicholls-trained eight-year-old has won four times at Prestbury Park and was beaten into second when favourite for this Grade One event last season.

His conqueror, Albertas Run, remains in the mix to repeat the dose, as does Somersby.

Tranquil Sea, Kalahari King and Riverside Theatre are still in contention, while Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Golden Silver, J'y Vole and Hennessy Gold Cup hero Kempes among his possibles.

[cryptic3]

BENSALEM will contest the Festival Handicap Chase at next month's Cheltenham Festival and not the Ladbrokes World Hurdle his trainer Alan King has confirmed.

The eight-year-old is as short as 7-1 favourite for the 3m handicap chase on the opening day of the festival in which he fell at the second-last fence when travelling easily last year.

Bensalem was switched to hurdles after that fall and finished second to Quevega in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes.com World Series at the Punchestown festival before contracting pneumonia in the summer.

He returned to finish a tired fifth in the Rewards4racing Cleeve Hurdle behind Grands Crus last month before again tiring when second to Cross Kennon in Saturday's Rendlesham Hurdle after looking the likely winner at the top of the home straight.

King said: "It was only Bensalem's second run back [on Saturday], so I was delighted. He travelled like the best horse in the race for most of the way and just gotoutstayed in a slog from the second last.

"He was so sick with pneumonia last autumn that we thought we would lose him, but he is definitely on the way back."

King and  owners Alan Marsh and John Duggan had toyed with the idea of running Bensalem against Big Buck's and Grands Crus in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle but have decided that going back chasing offers the horse his best chance of Cheltenham success.

"He'll revert to fences for the Festival Trophy, in which he was close up when he tipped up two out last year when the race carried the William Hill prefix," King told his website.

"The owners take the view that Bensalem would not beat either Big Buck'sor Grands Crus in the World Hurdle and they are probably right, so he will go back chasing."

[cryptic3]

ALAN FLEMING revealed on Monday that Tony McCoy is in line to ride Starluck in the Irish Independent Arkle Chase at Cheltenham next month.

The announcement ends speculation on who would partner the six-year-old over fences, as regular rider Timmy Murphy has already committed to the Paul Nicholls-trained Ghizao in the Arkle.
 

Fleming said on Monday: "AP [McCoy] came and schooled him this morning and it went verywell. He hasn't got a ride in the Arkle so he will be available to ride Starluck."

McCoy will partner Starluck when he makes his chase debut in the Wetherbys Cheltenham Betting Guide Novices' Chase over 2m at Huntingdon on Thursday.

Fleming added: "The horse is very well. We don't want heavy ground but some give in the ground would be fine."

Starluck, who finished third behind Binocular in the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last month, had been widely expected to have another crack at the Stan James Champion Hurdle, in which he finished fifth last year.

However, Fleming has decided to target the Arkle for which he was cut to 16-1 (from 20) by William Hill on Monday.


 

[cryptic3]

ALAN KING believes that Medermit is best equipped to give the trainer his first Grade 1 victory at the Cheltenham Festival since 2008, with the seven-year-old vying for favouritism in the Irish Independent Arkle Chase.

King, who was holding a media day at his Barbury Castle base on Tuesday, last had Grade 1 winners at the meeting with Nenuphar Collonges [Albert Bartlett] and Katchit [Champion Hurdle]

The trainer said: "I think Medermit's my best chance of the week and I thought that even before Sandown [when winning the Scilly Isles]."
 

After winning at Aintree on his chase debut, Medermit hardly covered himself in glory when refusing at long odds-on at Huntingdon, but King added:

"Huntingdon was just a blip. He's not a natural front-runner but he had no option that day. He's progressed and Choc [Robert Thornton] gets on well with him. He came in at Sandown and said he'd nailed him - he knows exactly how to ride him now.

"I was thrilled with him at Sandown - the way he travelled and jumped was ideal and it made the decision to drop him back to two milesan easy one."

King could  have another live contender on the opening day of the festival in the Stan James Champion Hurdle with Kingwell Hurdle winner Mille Chief, who is as short as 12-1.

The five-year-old is unbeaten over hurdles from two starts this year, and King thinks he could improve further on better ground, as he said: "People are saying he had a hard race on Saturday but I disagree. Choc only got stuck into him from the last.

"He's still probably 10lb shy of Champion Hurdle class but he's never run on good ground - I think you'll see a better horse on good ground."

Paddy Power offer several Alan King Cheltenham Festival specials, with Medermit to win the Arkle and Mille Chief to place in the Champion Hurdle a 25-1 chance.

The trainer has a  plethora of potential runners for the four-day extravaganza, but none would be more heart-warming than Bensalem, who bids to crown a remarkable comeback when contesting either the Festival Handicap Chase, in which he fell at the second-last when still in contention last year, or the Byrne Group Plate.

After almost dying from a bout of pneumonia last year, the eight-year-old has returned in good form, finishing fifth at Cheltenham in January before his second to Cross Kennon at Haydock in the Rendlesham Hurdle on Saturday.

King said: "He ran well on Saturday when it ended up as a slog, which wouldn't suit him. He won't run in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle now but he is in the Festival Handicap Chase [over 3m] and I also put him in the Byrne Group Plate as well as I'd by happy to run him over 2m 5f if the ground was testing.

"The plan is to give him a gallop on the point-to-point course at home in 10 days' time and I think you'll see the proper Bensalem at Cheltenham."

An exciting new addition to the team could also be Cheltenham bound, with Bygones In Brid being aimed at the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

After winning on debutat Musselburgh, the five-year-old was purchased for £100,000 and now runs in the colours of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Second on debut for new connections at Newbury on Friday, Bygones In Brid is a general 25-1 shot for the Champion Bumper, and King said: "I was thrilled with his first run for me when second at Newbury on Friday when I was worried if he'd settle but he switched off well. There's every likelihood he'll run in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper."

Read Alan King's exclusive column in the Weekender every Wednesday

[cryptic3]

Stan James offer six places on Coral Cup
 
STAN JAMES are paying out six places in the Coral Cup on all bets placed on Friday.

The offer, which runs from 8.30am to midnight, applies to all 134 entries for the Cheltenham Festival race, all of whom have been priced up by them below

Coral Cup 16 Mar 15:00
Outright Ante Post
EW: 1/4 1,2,3,4,5,6
All In, Run Or Not

Aegean Dawn   
10/1
 
For Non Stop   
10/1
 
Call The Police   
10/1
 
Walkon   
10/1
 
Pistolet Noir   
12/1
 
Bothy   
14/1
 
Notus De La Tour   
14/1
 
Get Me Out Of Here   
16/1
 
Alaivan   
16/1
 
Final Approach   
16/1
 
Benash   
20/1
 
Ackertac   
20/1
 
American Trilogy   
20/1
 
Ballyhaunis   
20/1
 
Dynaste   
20/1
 
Earlson Gray   
20/1
 
El Mondo   
20/1
 
On Borrowed Wings   
20/1
 
Radium   
20/1
 
Shalone   
20/1
 
Siberian Tiger   
20/1
 
Sir Des Champs   
20/1
 
Sir Harry Ormesher   
20/1
 
Solix   
20/1
 
Any Given Day   
25/1
 
The Betchworth Kid   
25/1
 
First Point   
25/1
 
Carlito Brigante   
25/1
 
Son Amix   
25/1
 
Sweet My Lord   
25/1
 
Aachen   
25/1
 
Aikman   
25/1
 
Aughaloor   
25/1
 
Ballyadam Brook   
25/1
 
Blackstairmountain   
25/1
 
Chartreux   
25/1
 
County Zen   
25/1
 
Duke Of Lucca   
25/1
 
Fiulin   
25/1
 
Karasenir   
25/1
 
King Of The Night   
25/1
 
Like Minded   
25/1
 
Mister Hyde   
25/1
 
Montan   
25/1
 
Nicene Creed   
25/1
 
Qaspal   
25/1
 
Shoegazer   
25/1
 
Silverhand   
25/1
 
Tarkari   
25/1
 
Tharawaat   
25/1
 
Trenchant   
25/1
 
Working Title   
25/1
 
Organisateur   
33/1
 
Kangaroo Court   
33/1
 
Alasi   
33/1
 
Astracad   
33/1
 
Barwell Bridge   
33/1
 
Dantari   
33/1
 
Fisher Bridge   
33/1
 
Gift Of Dgab   
33/1
 
Glenstal Abbey   
33/1
 
Hollins   
33/1
 
Jumbo Rio   
33/1
 
Michael Flips   
33/1
 
Mr Thriller   
33/1
 
Noland   
33/1
 
Orsippus   
33/1
 
Oscar Dan Dan   
33/1
 
Pause And Clause   
33/1
 
Psycho   
33/1
 
Quartz De Thaix   
33/1
 
Saint Are   
33/1
 
Skorcher   
33/1
 
Son Of Flicka   
33/1
 
Tiger O'Toole   
33/1
 
Voy Por Ustedes   
33/1
 
Arcalis   
40/1
 
Barizan   
40/1
 
Battle Group   
40/1
 
Bellflower Boy   
40/1
 
Buena Vista   
40/1
 
Busker Royal   
40/1
 
First Stream   
40/1
 
Indian Daudaie   
40/1
 
No Secrets   
40/1
 
Racing Demon   
40/1
 
Ranjobaie   
40/1
 
Riptide   
40/1
 
Secret Dancer   
40/1
 
Sivota   
40/1
 
Summit Meeting   
40/1
 
Sure Josie Sure   
40/1
 
Song Of Songs   
40/1
 
Wolf Moon   
40/1
 
The Pier   
40/1
 
Afsoun   
50/1
 
Aimigayle   
50/1
 
All For Free   
50/1
 
Arctic Wings   
50/1
 
Benbane Head   
50/1
 
Chief Yeoman   
50/1
 
Gorge   
50/1
 
Grey Soldier   
50/1
 
La Bombonera   
50/1
 
Lord Ragnar   
50/1
 
Made In Time   
50/1
 
Nortonthorpe Lad   
50/1
 
Numide   
50/1
 
Orzare   
50/1
 
Queiros Bleu   
50/1
 
Rose Of The Moon   
50/1
 
William Hogarth   
50/1
 
Amuse Me   
66/1
 
Benfleet Boy   
66/1
 
Celticello   
66/1
 
Den Of Iniquity   
66/1
 
Georgian King   
66/1
 
He's Our Man   
66/1
 
Lightning Strike   
66/1
 
Mohanad   
66/1
 
Points Of View   
66/1
 
Sircozy   
66/1
 
Songe   
66/1
 
Sophies Trophy   
66/1
 
Straw Bear   
66/1
 
Superior Wisdom   
66/1
 
Sweet Shock   
66/1
 
Warne's Way   
66/1
 
Decoy   
100/1
 
Open Day   
100/1
 
Ostland   
100/1
 
Puzzlemaster   
100/1
 
Sheer Genius   
100/1
 
Silk Affair   
100/1

[cryptic3]

QUEL ESPRIT shone brightest of Willie Mullins's quartet to school round Leopardstown after racing on Sunday, according to jockey Paul Townend and was promptly cut by bookmakers for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Mikael D'Haguenet, ridden by reigning champion Ruby Walsh, followed Quel Esprit under Townend, who is leading this season's title race by seven winners from Davy Russell, over a circuit of the chase course at Leopardstown when several Cheltenham contenders were put through their paces on the first of the track's pre-festival gallop days.
Following that pair were the Katie Walsh-ridden Pomme Tiepy, wearing blinkers for the first time, and Some Target, ridden by Patrick Mullins.

Mullins said: "Paul was particularly happy with Quel Esprit. The National Hunt Chase is a big option for him now, that's most likely where he'll run."

Quel Esprit was cut to 10-1 and 12-1 (from 16) by Totesport and Bet365, while Ladbrokes went 10-1 (from 12).

Ladbrokes spokeswoman Hayley O'Connor said: "Quel Esprit did a nice piece of work and with Mullins confirming he's aiming him for the National Hunt Chase we've cut him to 10-1."

Some Target is also headed towards that race, with the RSA Chase the target for Mikael D'Haguenet. Pomme Tiepy could run in the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase or the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase.

Galloping and schooling sessions continue at Leopardstown on Monday from 9am to noon and again on Tuesday during the same period.

[cryptic3]

Paul Nicholls could have three leading contenders in the JCB Triumph Hurdle after Zarkandar added his name to the trainer's hopes for the juvenile championship with an eyecatching debut win at Kempton.

The French import, a half-brother to 2008 Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava, is a leading Nicholls fancy for the Triumph, along with stablemate Brampour and possibly Sam Winner.

"The win surprised me. Although he goes really nicely at home now, I thought he would need more time and experience," the Ditcheat handler told Betfair.

"But he was very impressive - the time was very decent in the ground, too - and he now goes straight for the Triumph. We left plenty to work on going to Kempton and better ground will suit him, too.

"We now look to have a very strong hand in the Triumph. Brampour flew in his work yesterday and is an improving animal, and of course we also have Sam Winner, who beat the current Triumph Hurdle favourite Grandouet by 15 lengths at Cheltenham in November, albeit getting 8lb.

"I have said in the past that we also have the Supreme as an option for Sam Winner, but I won't make any decision until I sit down with Mrs Yeoman (owner). It's nice to have two options for him, though."

Zarkandar made an immediate impact for Paul Nicholls to lift the invariably informative thebettingsite.com Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.

Five horses since 1988, including Soldatino last year, have taken the Grade Two on the way to winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and Nicholls was aware it must now be his target.

Zarkandar (8-1) is a member of equine royalty as an Aga Khan-bred half-brother to the phenomenal mare Zarkava and he ran well in three starts on the Flat in France without setting the world alight.

He looked a natural at his new vocation, creeping into contention on the home bend and shrugging away the challenge of Molotof to win by two and a quarter lengths.

"He was very colty when we got him and he took a long time to get over being cut (gelded)," said Nicholls.

"I was very nervous about running him on this (soft) ground but he did everything impressively and he has a bit of class. I wanted to run him in a good race and after that he'll go to the Triumph.

"Going to Cheltenham on the back of just one run over hurdles is not ideal, but he's been schooling three times a week so he'll jump plenty of hurdles."

Other fine winners of the Adonis include Well Chief, Punjabi and Binocular, and Zarkandar's price for the Triumph was cut to no bigger than 14-1 with Ladbrokes and Stan James.

[cryptic3]

Alan King feels Medermit is the pick of his team for Cheltenham when he bids for glory in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase on March 15.

The Barbury Castle trainer outlined his plans for the grey at a media day organised by Cheltenham racecourse.

"Medermit is due to do his first bit of work since his win at Sandown tomorrow (Wednesday) and he'll have a couple of schools over the next fortnight and then head to Cheltenham," said King.

"I'm very excited by him. He has a high cruising speed, his jumping has got better with each race and he has proven stamina which I think is important in the Arkle. We're very hopeful.

"I always say beforehand that I'd be happy with one win at the Festival but I think Medermit is my chance and I was saying that even before he won at Sandown."

Mille Chief will represent King in the main event on the opening day, the Stan James Champion Hurdle after coming through his Kingwell Hurdle test at Wincanton last Saturday with flying colours.

He went on: "Mille Chief has taken his win well and the match practice at Wincanton will have done him good. He has a bit to find in the Champion and has never run on good ground but I think he'll be a much better horse when he does get that.

"We've had a clear run with him all season, the last run has brought him on and I'm very happy with him. On good ground I'll be really looking forward to running him at Cheltenham."

King revealed alternative plans at the Festival for one-time Champion hopefuls Salden Licht and Walkon, who were both out of luck in the totesport Trophy at Newbury on Friday.

The trainer added: "Salden Licht was brought down at the second last at Newbury when I think he would have finished close up as he stays on. He's still in the Champion Hurdle, but unlikely to run, and also the Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle. Walkon disappointed at Newbury on Friday when I think that was down to the 'bounce' factor and he's come out of the race wonderfully well. He's in the County and Coral Cup, I felt he deserved an entry but he's not certain to go to Cheltenham."

[cryptic3]

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[cryptic3]

TWO days after the Paul Nicholls-trained Zarkandar burst on to the JCB Triumph Hurdle scene with a hugely impressive victory on his hurdles debut at Kempton, the aftershocks are still being felt in the ante-post market for the Cheltenham Festival race.

A half-brother to unbeaten Arc heroine Zarkava, Zarkandar was initially slashed to around the 12-1 (from 25s) mark for the 2m1f event on March 18, after comfortably beating eight rivals in the Adonis Hurdle.
 

However, following the admission by Nicholls on Sunday that he had "left plenty to work on going to Kempton" Zarkandar was forced into a single figure price across the board on Monday. 

"As a half-brother to the brilliant Zarkava, a Cheltenham Festival win may not have been the initial aim when Zarkava was born, but he was most impressive at Kempton and punters clearly believe he can emulate Soldatino's Adonis-Triumph double from 12 months ago," said Coral spokesman David Stevens, whose firm went 8-1 (from 10s) on Monday.

Victor Chandler, who from 9am on Tuesday will be offering ¼ the odds on four places until the 48-hour declaration stage on the Triumph, tookeven more evasive action going 15-2 (from 9-1).

"We have seen money for Saturday's Kempton winner Zarkandar and Third Intention (16s from 20s) ahead of the offer. We have also eased favourite Grandouet to 11-2 (from 5-1)," said VC spokesman Charlie McCann.

William Hill, who cut Zarkander to 8-1 (from 10s), report support for the Dermot Weld-trained Unaccompanied in the same race and make her their 6-1 (from 7-1) joint-favourite with Grandouet.


 


Another Cheltenham mover on Monday was the Willie Mullins-trained Zaidpour, who despite holding an entry in the Neptune Investment Hurdle, was supported for his alternative engagement in the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The five-year-old was clipped into 8-1 (from 10s) with Totesport for the opening contest of the festival, making him fourth best in the firm's list, which is headed by Cue Card at 9-4.

"Zaidpour has always been highly regarded by the Mullins stable and recent support suggests he will be heading for the Supreme Novices' rather than the Neptune," said Totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Zaidpour's stablemates, Quel Esprit and Mikael D'Haguenet, who worked after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday, were the other notable movers for Cheltenham glory on Monday.

Hills slashed Quel Esprit to 10-1 (from 16s) for the National Hunt Chase, which Mullins seemed to be favouring as the preferred festival target on Sunday, while Paddy Power make Mikael D'Haguenet a 12-1 (from 16s) chance for the RSA Chase.

[cryptic3]

BACKSPIN, who was set to run at the Cheltenham Festival for trainer Jonjo O'Neill and owner JP McManus, has died after suffering a suspected heart attack in his box on Tuesday night.

The six-year-old, unbeaten in three starts including victory in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury until finishing fourth at Cheltenham to Bobs Worth in January, held entries for both the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

O'Neill said on Wednesday morning: "Unfortunately, Backspin dropped dead in his box overnight and I thought I should let everyone know with Cheltenham only a matter of days away.

"We think it was most probably a heart attack, but obviously that is only a guess until the post mortem has been carried out."

On a brighter note.

TIM VAUGHAN on Tuesday nominated Beshabar as the horse most likely to give the trainer his first Cheltenham Festival winner.
Vaughan, who saddled Ski Sunday to finish second in the 2009 Fred Winter Hurdle, is planning on taking "quite a team" to Prestbury Park but thinks Beshabar, who is as short as 10-1 for the 4m National Hunt Chase, is his best chance of a winner.
 

"Beshabar will go for the four-miler rather than the RSA Chase. Out of mine he has the most realistic chance of winning," said Vaughan.

Margaret Findlay's nine-year-old, who was previously trained by Paul Nicholls, was brought down on his debut for Vaughan at Cheltenham in December but, following a spell on the sidelines, returned with victory at Doncaster last month.

"He's come back from Doncaster really well," Vaughan told AT The Races. "He seems to stay very well and should come on for that run."

Asked for an each-way selection, Vaughan had little hesitation in nominating Architrave, a 50-1 chance for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Vaughan said: "He's a nice individual and at the price he's worth a role of the dice."


OWNER Andy Stewart, whose Big Buck's is a firm favourite to land a third Ladbrokes World Hurdle, does not think Ghizao, another of his leading Cheltenham Festival contenders, is good enough to win the Irish Independent Arkle Chase, for which he as short as 7-2.

Despite Ghizao impressing in his last two starts, Stewart, who co-ownsthe Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old with David Johnson, remains cautious about his chances.
Quoted in The Times on Tuesday, Stewart said: "If Ghizao wins, it will be a weak Arkle - I don't think he's good enough."

He can though look forward to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle, although he remains concerned by the threat the promising Grands Crus poses, while Poquelin, who he also owns, heads the betting for the Ryanair Chase.

Stewart added he was "flying at home", but would rather not take on Somersby, whose first-choice target is the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase.

[cryptic3]

HELL'S BAY, favourite with some bookmakers for the Jewson Novices' Chase, has been ruled out of the after sustaining a leg injury.

The nine-year-old, who posted a personal best on New Year's Day at Cheltenham, was quoted as 7-1 co-favourite for the Grade 2 contest by Coral, but will now be forced to miss the rest of the season.Trainer Colin Tizzard, who bought Hells Bay for just £3,000 in May, said: "We scanned his leg this morning and there is a small hole, but it's there and it's enough to stop us running him at Cheltenham, which is a real shame.
"We had been worried something might be wrong for the last 36 hours and this news confirmed what I had feared. He'll hopefully be back by November or December."